I just replaced my Opti about 15k miles ago (GM), and its already giving me issues! My 95Z went 120k with no Opti problems (sold it before it ever went bad), my 94Z had 144k before it started having issues, but my 97 only has 54,000 miles and its on its 3rd replacement Opti now! The original was destroyed by a slightly too long cam dowel pin (my fault for not measuring...its "looked" to be the right length), the first replacement died during an extended teardown (moisture got it I think), and the second replacement died after a few days (just quit working, it was replaced by GM). Now its going out, too! Its been on for less than a year (over the 12k warranty though), and the vaccum harness is intact. I've been hearing that even the GM replacements now are junk, but I'm wondering is there any way to adequately seal a vented Opti against moisture? It has rained here a lot in the last few months, and maybe that is contributing to their early demise???
Yet another reason I won't be buying any more LT1s!

 

Msd came out with a new opti. It's supposed to be built stronger and last allot longer. Best part is there under 250.00 Brand new

 

I thought they were just doing a cap and rotor???

 

They are, and still aren't even being shipped yet.


You may want to check and make sure you're water pump isn't leaking onto the opti, that could be the case if they are living such short lives.

 

It is just a cap and rotor.

 

I would loose the cap and rotor and go with a Delteq system.

 

No, it isn't...I have yet to have an Opti problem that was fixed by just a cap and rotor. The optical triggers get contaminated, that is the real problem. If the Delteq didn't rely on the same optical trigger, I would go that route, but as it is I would have to buy both. I'm going to try a cap and rotor (I have one that is practically new on another Opti), but I doubt it will fix the problem. BTW the waterpump did go out (all at once, in my driveway), but that was with a previous Opti. Gotta love GM quality.

 

He was just verifying what you said...

 

I have been through a couple of optis, but it was always the cap and rotor. I have never personally seen the optical unit fail. I just got the autozone lifetime cap and rotor and should be good to go. I have seen waterpumps drip very slowly and cause opti problems.

 

i believe shoebox was clarifying that the msd unit is sold as "just a cap and rotor"

 

Exactly!!!

 

All my opti problems have been cap & rotor problems

The last one, myself & a couple friends bought new optis at the same time. With all three of us the rotor broke in less than 1,000 miles.. Actually it didnt break by itself, the screws backed out & probably were never tightened during original assembly. That was the last time I will put on a complete opti without first opening it up & checking things out

 

Sorry shoebox, I must have been zoning a bit when I read your reply

I thought you were saying all that was needed was a cap and rotor.